EBMM or Ibanez piezo?

[zEr0]

Hey everyone,

My main guitar is an Ibanez S CST (don't bash me!!!) which has a piezo system installed and I've always loved the sound of it. UNTIL..............

I bought an EBMM Axis with a piezo some months ago and when I heard it's sound I was completely blown away!!! The EBMM piezo system sounds 1000x better than the Ibanez. It has lots of presence and spark while the Ibanez is very dull and muddy.

I think these 2 vids really illustrate the difference I'm trying to point out:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9bKJYp-LV4"]YouTube - Testing piezo system of Ibanez RG2027x[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1D9jFxZTF4"]YouTube - Petrucci Music Man piezo test[/ame]

I sold the Axis later on because it wasnt for me anyway but I now feel spoiled and everytime I use the piezo on my S series I'm thinking about how much beter I could sound.....

I also noticed that the EBMM piezo had a lot more output than the ibanez one which makes me think that the tone difference comes mainly from the preamp. Anyone here can tell me what preamps do EBMM's come with and if Ibanez's are different?

Also if someone here happens to own piezo loaded EBMM and Ibanez I'd love to hear your views on their tone differences....

THX for the help!!!

 

[zenmba]

zErO,

I believe the Ibanez models use the L.R. Baggs preamp while the EBMM uses a Fishman. Mr. Dudley Gimpel can provide the technical specs explaining why the Fishman was selected and why it sounds superior to other preamps.

-Billy

 

[Jason5150]

G'day Zero,

I liked both of your vids. Both of those bridges bring something to the table. I think the Ibanez definitely has more of a nylon string sound to it (malmsteen shred anyone?). Perhaps you can shape it a bit more with the EQ?

The Petrucci (to my ears and poor computer speakers) maybe sounded a bit too bright for an acoustic style sound but still very cool and sparkly.

cool stuff either way!

 

[chrisallen]

The Ibanez didn't sound that bad actually.

The EB didn't sound as good as it could have since it was running through an electric guitar amp.

Any piezo sounds the best through full range speakers, like a PA speaker or acoustic amp.

 

[Pablo]

Quite frankly, both systems are equally good/bad and it really is a matter of preference whether you prefer LR Baggs or Fishman.

 

[whitestrat]

I plonked in an LR Baggs X bridge into an ash DIY strat once. Sounded like sh*t. I've been spoiled by the JP6 piezo... I got rid of that stray in a jiffy and never looked back.

 

[whitestrat]

The EB didn't sound as good as it could have since it was running through an electric guitar amp.

You're so right. I plugged in my 20th piezo thru a SWR blonde acoustic amp once. That was a revelation... It sounded SO GOOD I couldn't believe my ears. The same LR Baggs X Bridge I had couldn't come close...

 

[jazzbo jim]

Quite frankly, both systems are equally good/bad and it really is a matter of preference whether you prefer LR Baggs or Fishman.

Sorry, I disagree.
A buddy plays a Parker Fly w/Fishman and (as much as I LOVE my ASS) his sounds much more realistic to my ears.

 

[fatoni]

piezo aside the jp6 slays the s (i own both). the s is a great guitar but the jp is easily the best guitar ive ever touched. all that piezo jazz is just a bonus

 

[the24thfret]

I've never played the Ibanez system in question but I've heard a lot of piezo systems and demo'd a ton at stores and the JP piezo system is the best I've ever heard. I can barely put it down.

 

[quincy451]

ibanez demo

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI8e8LU4yHU&feature=rec-fresh]YouTube - Wes Borland - Ibanez demonstration[/ame]

Check this out for how someone else presents the piezo on the ibanez.
My opinion...the ibanez is presented better here but the JP6 has the brighter tone. The ibanez does sound more nylon. just a matter of taste and goals I guess.

 

[Evan]

I actually prefer the Ibanez piezo, sounds like a classical. The Ernie sounds more like a steel string, I thats your thing than I can see why you would like it better. They both sound great IMO.

 

[quincy451]

Another alternative

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao2CVfUwNjI&feature=related]YouTube - Epiphone Ultra 2 Les Paul[/ame]

somwhere in the middle but definately lower in price than the JP6.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Well I sure wish that I had the technology to post a clip of my Albert Lee going through my AER - I have a lot of leave to take in December and maybe I can do it then ?

I would say that I am totally satisfied with the Piezo on the AL.
Using an EB pan pedal I can use one stereo lead from the AL. The pedal splits the signal so I have the AER handling the Piezo and my tube amp handling the mags.
It's a great set up and is "hands free".

I have to say one thing - the upgrade for a piezo wasn't a cheap option but I'm sure as hell glad that I got it. When I heard the piezo in the guitar shop I felt as though someone had punched me in the stomach! It was so strange - I had to have it. I so wish that my Limited Edition Al had one but it wasn't an option. My Al (well both of them really)is a keeper 'cos it is so versatile.

 

[quincy451]

Another idea...

A line 6 Variax 300/600/700...definately versital sound there. And the accustic is not bad.